Manarat Al Saadiyat has been celebrating the many facets of culture with our communities through a rich programme that keeps growing, year after year, with your support. MAS is happy to present to all film enthusiasts the fifth edition of CineMAS: the alternative film festival that showcases some of the best indie talents and the must-see films of our time. Celebrating the work of independent filmmakers from across the globe
The signature event organised by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), kicked off on Monday evening, May 29, 2023, and will continue until Sunday, June 4.
Curated by UAE artist and writer Hind Mezaina, CineMAS features a wide range of unique films and their creative takes on realities faced by diverse communities worldwide.
This year, it includes 26 productions from regional and international countries followed by exciting discussions with directors and actors after each screening, providing a deeper insight into the issues highlighted in the films.
CineMAS kicked off with the Tunisian drama Under the Fig Trees by Erige Sehiri in collaboration with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) on Monday at 7:30 pm.
The 92-minuite film tells the story of young women in northwest Tunisia and their daily encounters as they work the summer harvest. Amidst their flirting, teasing and arguing with the men on site, the tale takes a dramatic twist of escalated emotions as their dreams and hopes are played out.
Under the Fig Trees was played in Arabic with English subtitles and is rated PG 13.
CineMAS includes significant productions from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Sudan, Oman, Palestine, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Morocco, Romania, Switzerland, Serbia, Cambodia, Japan, and the United States.
The featured films cover various genres ranging between neighbourhood tales, family, science, and spirituality.
There will be afternoon and evening screenings throughout the duration of the festival. More information and schedule details can be found here.
Tickets are priced at AED30 on weekdays, AED50 on weekends, and bundle tickets for AED150.
